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Biology (Pharmacology/Toxicology) ,BS

Biology (Pharmacology/Toxicology), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Biology (Pharmacology/Toxicology)

Biopharmaceutical, Health, Medicine, Pharmaceutical, Pharmacist, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Science, Toxics, Veterinary Medicine, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biochemistry, medical, pre-health, pre-medicine, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Are you interested in a discipline that yields astounding breakthroughs and contributions to the medical community? Learn how medications, chemicals and other substances interact with the human body.
Program description ▲

The pharmacology and toxicology concentration of the BS program in biology provides an emphasis in the biochemical, molecular and physiological components of chemical and body interactions.

The degree program emphasizes experiential learning, and all required core courses have laboratories. By learning in an integrative environment that emphasizes the connectedness of the disciplines, students gain a better understanding of larger scientific concepts, and they can view these concepts from multiple perspectives. To have a thorough understanding of the interactions of chemicals in the biological system, students study both biology and chemistry and become familiar with chemical interactions at physiological, molecular and cellular levels.

Undergraduates have the opportunity to conduct independent research under the mentorship of faculty members or in internships outside the school.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
    or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map) ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities▲
Global experience

Students gain valuable, resume-building experience by studying abroad. With more than 300 programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their educational experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students pursuing the pharmacology and toxicology concentration can expand their knowledge of how science impacts society in a variety of cultures and gain the global skills they need in order to lead in their career.

Career opportunities▲

Graduates are prepared for occupations such as:

  • laboratory researcher
  • pharmacist
  • physician
  • physician assistant
  • risk assessor
  • veterinarian

They may work in governmental agencies or private companies in areas such as:

  • clinical trials
  • product safety evaluation
  • regulatory affairs
  • teaching

Graduates are also prepared for entry-level employment in the growing field of environmental toxicology as well as for graduate and professional programs in pharmacology and toxicology.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
4.7%
$49,650
6.1%
$76,480
6.1%
$76,480
5.8%
$48,380
3.7%
$211,300
6.1%
$76,480
2.5%
$214,460
9.8%
$99,930
2.6%
$132,750
19.7%
$103,260
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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